Paasche VL Pressure Problem

I have always opted for a compressor with a tank for my airbrushing setups. The tank acts as a buffer between the airbrush and compressor. The airbrush can withdraw ample CFM that the compressor cannot maintain on its own. Short sessions, allow the compressor to keep the tank topped off is best.

My first compressor was/is (it makes too much noise so it is used only in the garage now) a 3/4hp with a 3 gallon tank. It gets used to run mechanics air tools too! My primary indoor model shop only is a Paasche D3000. It has no problems with pushing air through any of my airbrushes including my VLs with the largest needle and nozzle.

I've always been one to use 'MORE PRESSURE', usually up anywhere around 38psi, but of late I have been cranking the pressure down to 11-15psi. Two noticable things happened. Much less overspray and fogging up of the paintbooth. Better control! Plus after spending hours masking, the pressure from the airbrush isn't lifting off the tape either!

genj53john wrote:

Your probably right.  Any suggestions on what compressor would solve the problem.  I was looking at the Paasche D200 1/6 HP.

Sorry, I'm not that up on compressors.  I use a large 15 gallon compressor and regulate it down to about 10 psi for airbrushing.  I do know there are plenty of good compressors, I just don't know which ones are the most popular.

I would recommend that you try your brush on someone else's compressor first to make sure that is actually the problem.  otherwise you may wind up with a new compressor and the same, old problem. 

MusicCity wrote:

I suspect that you are simply seeing the difference between compressor PRESSURE and compressor VOLUME.  Creating air pressure is simple and it doesn't take a lot of compressor to accomplish that.  Maintaining that pressure at a given volume of flow is a different story.  The VL requires more air VOLUME than the other air brush and when you press the trigger your compressor doesn't provide enough volume to support that pressure.  If you hook your airbrush to someone else's compressor, one with plenty of flow, I suspect you won't see that same problem.

Your probably right.  Any suggestions on what compressor would solve the problem.  I was looking at the Paasche D200 1/6 HP.   

genj53john wrote:

jwb wrote: That is odd.... I have the VL, and it usually drops 2-3 psi when I push the trigger down all the way. In fact, I set the pressure with the trigger fully pressed, so I know what it'll be as I spray. Never had it do what you describe though..... no idea on a solution, but if you figure it out, I'd love to know what you find. Can you set it up to 40 psi and have it hold near that while your painting.  With the trigger down I can't reach 40 psi.  Maybe my compressor doesn't have enough power?

My psi gauge gets unreadable..... the needle jumps awful bad.... above 25 psi, so I'm not sure how much it can put out. But when I clean it after use, I dial it up as high as the needle will go and then some, and the psi only drops a small bit even at the highest settings. 

MikeV wrote:

Are you sure the head is not leaking air bad? VL's do require more air than some others but not as much as you are saying. Without pushing the trigger on the airbrush what is the static pressure reading as?

I've checked for leaks there are none.  I can set the static pressure to between 10 and 40 psi and it holds.  As soon as I depress the trigger the pressure drops to between 10 and 12 psi. 

Are you sure the head is not leaking air bad?

VL's do require more air than some others but not as much as you are saying.

Without pushing the trigger on the airbrush what is the static pressure reading as? 

jwb wrote:

That is odd.... I have the VL, and it usually drops 2-3 psi when I push the trigger down all the way. In fact, I set the pressure with the trigger fully pressed, so I know what it'll be as I spray. Never had it do what you describe though..... no idea on a solution, but if you figure it out, I'd love to know what you find.

Can you set it up to 40 psi and have it hold near that while your painting.  With the trigger down I can't reach 40 psi.  Maybe my compressor doesn't have enough power? 

That is odd.... I have the VL, and it usually drops 2-3 psi when I push the trigger down all the way. In fact, I set the pressure with the trigger fully pressed, so I know what it'll be as I spray.

Never had it do what you describe though..... no idea on a solution, but if you figure it out, I'd love to know what you find.

Engage the air...or when you start the paint flow? Is the needle lock tight? Are you setting your application air pressure with the brush air wide open?

Check to make sure the orings are in place too!